5 Free Activities (and More) in Byron Bay You’d Be Happy to Pay For

Looking for fun things to do in Byron Bay? And what if the bonus was that all of these activities in Byron Bay were FREE?

The following free things to do in Byron Bay are so much fun we’re willing to bet that you would have paid for them. Luckily you don’t even have to, so just go out and enjoy these excellent activities on your next Byron Bay holiday.

1. Byron Bay Lighthouse and other walking trails

Hands down, this activity ranks no. 1 among the suggestions for free things to do in Byron Bay – it’s unanimous, everyone says you must visit the lighthouse when on holiday here.

The Byron Bay Lighthouse is located on the most easterly point of Australia, so the best time to come is sunrise, which will make you among the first people in Australia to see the sun that day.

While you’re there, make plans to stay for awhile and either spend about two hours completing the 3.7km walk or relax on one of the beaches, such as The Pass, Wategos or Tallows.

Keep in mind, this isn’t the only excellent walking trail in Bryon Bay. There are quite a few hikes and walking trails worth checking out, and bonus, it’s more free things to do in Byron Bay. Follow this link to look over our recommended trails:

Another option, if you don’t mind spending a little money, is to hire bikes, or if you’ve got the room and equipment to bring along your bikes, you could add any of these awesome biking trails to your to-do list for your Byron Bay holiday:

2. Minyon Falls

This one is so great that we needed to call it out from the above walking trails and hikes list. Located within the World Heritage Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls provides a chance for holiday visitors to take in the Byron Bay hinterland. Marvel at the beautiful falls and, if it’s a clear day, the view all the way out to the coast at the lookout before you head down the trail. The hike, considered hard due to the steep incline, is a 7.5 km round trip.

Stunning Minyon Falls. Image source: Flickr CC

Getting to the bottom is well worth the effort when you feel the cool water and enjoy the view back up the approximately 100 metres tall falls. (Note: No swimming here because it is home to the endangered Fleay’s barred frog.) Bring a picnic and refuel before making the hike back up to the top.

We should note that we recommend this hike as part of our 11 Best Byron Bay Winter Activities. Take a look through the list because if you happen to be here during the winter months, there are some great recommended free things to to do in Byron Bay, such as whale watching.

3. Byron Bay Markets

The first Sunday in every month means it’s time for the Byron Community market at Butler Street Reserve. It opens at 8am and runs until 3pm. Wander through the stalls of vendors selling a wide variety of products from jewellery to housewares. If you can avoid purchasing a souvenir, then it will stay a free thing to do in Byron Bay.

Browse the Byron Market. Image source: facebook.com/byron.markets

After checking out the wares, then hang out and listen to the live music while you spend some quality time people watching. It’s a fun, free way to relax on a Sunday during your holiday.

If you enjoy markets and even if you just spend your visit “stall” shopping and not buying anything or just listening to the music, these additional markets on our other blog posts are a nice option for spending your time in the Byron Bay area.

4. Hang out at the great beaches (Tip: One is a best kept secret!)

Who doesn’t enjoy some sunbathing on a holiday? Byron Bay offers so much more than just sunbathing – head to the beaches to enjoy excellent swimming and surfing as well. Yet another free thing to do in Byron Bay, beaches are a great way to experience the area without spending money.

Chill out on Main Beach, Byron Bay

Anyone who has never been to Byron Bay should make a point to visit Main Beach and experience all it has to offer. But then you can head out to other more intimate beach settings during the rest of your stay. We suggest:

White’s Beach (located right next to Broken Head Holiday Park!)

Cosy Corner

Brunswick Heads

Tallows

White’s Beach ranks as one of our best kept secrets in Byron Bay, so be sure to take the opportunity to visit this amazing beach. Read our list to add many of these best kept secrets in Byron Bay to your holiday plans, because luckily quite a few don’t require money to enjoy them!

5. Broken Head Nature Reserve and other great places to picnic

Situated super close to your holiday accommodation in Byron Bay at Broken Head Holiday Park, the Broken Head Nature Reserve is an excellent spot to spend a whole day! It features all the aspects of a beach holiday you desire: swimming, sunbathing and a BBQ for a picnic as well as a walking trail that takes you through the rainforest sitting right next to the beach.

Immerse yourself in nature. Image source: Flickr CC

The walking trail, called Three Sisters, is 1.2km one way and takes about 90 minutes to complete, round trip. The view from the lookout provides the perfect place for admiring the natural surroundings from the pristine ocean to the secluded beach. This location is a great place to watch for whales during migration season (May-November). You also may observe white-bellied sea eagles diving into the water for their food.

The Broken Head Reserve is a great spot for a picnic, and if you’re looking for other good picnic location ideas, check out our list of the best places for picnics in Byron Bay.

Make your Byron Bay holiday economical

For affordable holiday accommodation in Byron Bay you can’t beat Broken Head Holiday Park – it allows you to stay on budget while providing an excellent base for your holiday. Plus, it’s close to several of our suggestions for free things to do in Byron Bay! Check out our accommodation and book now to take advantage of our low season rates for November.